Love this hike. It is a one way (not a loop) so you can manage your time and exertion as much or as little as you like. When you reach the peak you can go further for quite a while without steep slopes but when you get on the other hill things will become more challenging again.
Bring water no matter what time of year it is and if it is in the warmer months you will need to bring lots of it. Outside of the landscape views there is a lot going on right near you as well. A good number of plants are described with signs and insect life and animal life are fun to catch if you concentrate to notice them.
I have been on the trail several times during different points in the year and have only been to the end once to date. One time during the warmer months I wanted to get there at park open to see the sun rise -- which I did -- however, while I waited for the gate to open there were a few jumpers that started before the ranger got there. They made note of which vehicles did not have people in them and did their best to find the trespassers -- I have no idea what the penalty might be but I suggest not trying to find out!
Another point (which I have not taken advantage of) is the people who manage the park (be they rangers or volunteers) seem to be very helpful and knowledgable. Maybe one day I will focus on this fact and learn a lot more about the place I have been exploring at random.